"I have used FTS for many years as they are friendly and helpful and always seem to try and get the best deal for you. Don't know how long they have been doing it but I found out this year that they also pick up your car and return it free of charge which is really convenient."

"Very happy with the service I received this time round as with every other time ive been. Always use them for my services and MOTs. Dropped car off before i went to work and by mid morning i had a text to say car was ready to collect. Went down after work and car was ready, pleasent staff, paid by card and went off on my jolly way!! For a woman in my 30s i have been in garages where they try and add things on or try and get more money from you. These guys though are completely honest and genuine and always made to feel completely comfortable. Thanks for a fab experience. Car feels great."

"The staff were friendly and helpful. I cannot comment on the standard of the workmanship, but time will tell. The set up seemed very professional and well organised.
I did book this garage online as it offered pick up and drop off of the car, as it turned out this, and my chosen appointment time, were not available. In future I’d bear this in mind in choosing a provider off this site as the convenience is important to me."

How do car brakes work?

The brakes on your car utilise fluid pressure.
When the brake pedal is depressed, it activates a plunger in the master cylinder,
which pressurises the brake fluid in the pipes and hoses causing the brake components to move.
A brake system which has leaks or air bubbles will not operate correctly, or not at all,
so regular inspections are very important.

Brake repairs are one of the most common reasons to visit a garage;
all cars need their brake discs and pads replaced at regular intervals. Some of the warning signs
for brake failure are squealing or grinding noises when depressing the brakes, or the brake feeling
'spongy' when the pedals is pressed. And of course if you need to brake increasingly hard to effectively
slow or stop your car, then you could well be looking at brake replacement.

There are two main types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brake systems are comprised of two pads per wheel,
which clamp down on the brake disc when the brake pedal is depressed.
When the fluid becomes pressurised, it sends a plunger in the calliper forward,
forcing the brake pads on either side of the brake disc to squeeze it,
which results in the slowing and stopping of the car.

Drum brakes operate in the same way as disc brakes, but with a different design.
They both use friction to slow and stop the car, but drum brakes use shoes, instead of pads.
The shoes are inside the steel brake drum itself, which spins with the wheel.
When brake pressure is applied, a component called the wheel cylinder expands,
forcing the brake shoes apart and towards the inside edge of the drum.
Drum brakes are usually found on older vehicles, or just on the rear brake system.

About Fiat

Fiat is an Italian automaker and part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles through its subsidiary FCA Italy S.p.A, the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy. The company was formed in January 2007 when Fiat reorganised its automobile business, and can trace its history back to 1899 when the first Fiat, or as it was called then, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino automobile, was produced.

Fiat's main market is Europe, specifically in Italy. Historically successful at producing city cars and superminis, currently Fiat has a range of models focused on those two segments. Fiat doesn’t currently offer any large family car, nor an executive car - you can say they are pretty exclusively in the urban car camp.

This Italian brand offers cars with bags of character and style. They’ve even developed new engine technology, such as the “Twin Air” system, which has placed Fiat ahead of others in their field. A partnership with Mazda has boosted the range as well with the introduction of a rear-wheel drive convertible sports car.

What do you need from your garage?

You may live within walking distance of a garage which offers most of the services you need. However, by sticking
with the nearest garage in Thornton Heath you could be missing out on a better deal. What if a garage with a collection / drop
off service or courtesy car could do the same job at a good price, without the inconvenience of losing your car for the
duration of the repair? BookMyGarage allows you to search for local garages which offer this facility, and compare their
prices, all in one session.